Swain & Robertson added for Force clash vs Emerging Ireland

Sat, Oct 5, 2024, 8:45 AM
BS
by Ben Somerford
Watch the Western Force's tries and best individual moments from the 38-23 victory over the Toyota Cheetahs in the side's opening game of the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein.

The Western Force have made four changes to the side’s starting line-up for Sunday’s clash with Emerging Ireland in their second game of the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein.

New recruit and Wallabies lock Darcy Swain comes into the starting XV for the first time, named in the second row alongside ex-Brumbies teammate Sam Carter.

Prop Tom Robertson will be back in the Force blue for the first time since an ACL injury in 2023, having jetted into camp following Wallabies duty.

Front-rower Harry Hoopert and Australia U20s representative Ronan Leahy have also been added to the starting side.

Mac Grealy reverts from the wing to full-back as part of a backline re-shuffle seeing Leahy come into the XV, with Harry Potter starting in the midfield again after his two-try Man of the Match performance against the Cheetahs.

Sunday’s game will kick off at 7pm WST and streamed live on Stan Sport, in conjunction with South African broadcaster SuperSport.

The Force are coming off an impressive 38-23 triumph over the Cheetahs, while Emerging Ireland beat the Pumas 36-24 in the Toyota Challenge where prize money is up for grabs in each game, with $AU25,000 per match.

Western Force 23-player team list

Starters (1-15); Harry Hoopert, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Sam Carter, Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Reed Prinsep (c), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Ronan Leahy, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Justin Landman, Mac Grealy

Reserves; Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu

Western Force v Emerging Ireland

Sunday 6 October, 7pm WST

Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein

Live on Stan Sport

Follow @WesternForce on Twitter for updates and all social media channels

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